Wednesday, July 14, 2021

I am writing to you today regarding upcoming leadership transitions and searches to permanently fill leadership positions in Human Resources and University Relations. After 21 years of service, Elizabeth “Liz” Grimes will be retiring as associate vice chancellor for the Office of Human Resources on September 1, 2021. Liz has led the Office of Human Resources for five years. She joined UNCW in 2000 and previously served as Director of Talent Development & Employee Relations.

Under Liz’s guidance, HR developed more inclusive recruiting practices, enriched new employee onboarding, and initiated great professional development, training and support programs. Please join me in wishing her well on her future endeavors. Elaine Doell, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Human Resources, will serve as interim associate vice chancellor beginning Sept. 1. She will lead HR’s efforts at a critical juncture for UNCW employees as the university returns to more typical operations this fall.

UNCW also plans to conduct a search for a new chief communications officer. Janine Iamunno, who joined UNCW in October 2012, brought energy, creativity and commitment to the role. She left earlier this year. Andrea Monroe Weaver, previously deputy director of University Relations, has been serving as interim CCO and will continue to fulfill this role during a pivotal time for key communication initiatives, including development of the next strategic plan and the planned launch of UNCW’s redesigned website.

UNCW will begin searches for permanent leadership of both positions in the coming months, and we will keep the university community updated as these efforts progress.